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Living Large In Small Spaces - Brockloch Tree House

Fortieth post in the series

"Living Large in Small Spaces"

Welcome friends to Living Large In Small Spaces. Today's edition is very special to me, for it's the 40th post of the LLISS series. To all of you who faithfully come here for a weekly dose of small but large living, thank you. Your visits and kind words keep me inspired to seek out and share small homes and the stories behind them. And to anyone popping in for the first time, thanks for joining me; I hope you'll make this a regular stop.I love treehouses. When I was a kid my dad nailed a simple wooden platform up in the niche of an old oak tree and proclaimed it "The Kids' Treehouse". My siblings and I had tons of fun playing amongst the branches and leaves in that cool summer retreat. The Brockloch Tree House is a far cry from my childhood treehouse, yet its sophisticated design maintains a bit of childlike whimsy.

Designed and built by Sam Booth and his company EcoLiving, Brockloch Tree House is located on George and Julie Nicolson's picturesque working farm in Scotland's Galloway region. The off-grid retreat is comprised of two corrugated tin and timber-clad pods resting on eleven locally-sourced larch pole legs. A third tiny pod below houses the home's services.

A galvanized steel staircase leads to the entry, which opens into the intimate living space. In keeping with its size, the Tree House furnishings are small in scale.

Two drawers under the double bed and a blanket box at the end of it provide storage. A recessed shelf in the wall gives more visual interest and a place to stow books.

A multitude of tiny windows set into spruce paneled walls provides gallery-like views of nature and a dappled light show.

A larger window above the bed looks out on the Galloway landscape. Overhead a skylight offers starry views at night.

The hand built, freestanding kitchen cabinet with built in gas cooktop, fridge and butler sink is dressed in pastels. A woodburning stove set in an alcove of soft blue tiles heats the space.

The bathroom, across the hall in the smaller pod, boasts its own skylight above the tub.

A compost toilet (not seen in the photos) sits on the wall opposite the tub. The room's pivot door was designed to hide the toilet while creating an en suite bathroom.

This sketch, which reminds me of a Thurber drawing, shows the layout of the Brockloch Tree House.

The flooring is solid oak board in the living area and small oak tiles in the bath. Floors, ceiling and walls are insulated with sheep's wool. 2 x 250W solar pv panels and battery storage provide power.

You can see more of the unique Brockloch Tree House at the Eco Living website here. I received no compensation for featuring this delightful retreat.So, what do you think of this small space in the trees?

Comments

Oh my, fancy living wrapped in sheep's wool - I love that thought!Though somewhat of a tight space, it beats most hotel rooms! Perhaps I could enjoy such as this for a 'getaway in the country' second home, but permanently (with my man in tow) I don't think I could manage!I would add another element though - a fabric pull-across curtain, semi sheer to keep things light, to close off the bed during the day. Also I would require a walk-in shower rather than a sunken tub. I love the washbasin, and the pale blue tiled alcove for that darling wood burner.Altogether it's an awesome place - and starry skies above the bed at night might clinch the deal!

Thanks for showing us yet another small but fabulous home Nancy.Enjoy your weekend.Hugs - Mary

Hi Nancy, another fabulous home. This one would be designed for younger folks that I. Climbing those steps in the winter with arms of firewood would do me in and I'm thinking that they get cold damp winters. I do love the interior especially those small window lights in the wall. I can just imagine the different light shows they put out from morning to evening. I am a fan of uniqueness and you have certainly delivered that with this home. Your blog is so much fun!Have a great day.Connie :)

so very lovely. referring to the composting toilet: a few of my friends on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have composting toilets which they are very thankful for now that well water is scarcer due to weather change.The young woman's home on one of the Northern Gulf Islands and Brockloch Tree House are my favourite posts thus far. Thank you for your presentations...

Very interesting Nancy. I think this is great but not sure I would like to live up in a tree lol! A little too modern for me too but I think it is so clever and a great concept for living large in a small place.Kris

Sweet Nancy! Oh you dear heart, YOU....you came to my blog. Thank you. Our trip to Carmel for our third decade of marriage was so special. It is a magical place if you've never been there....the oil paintings acquired at some of many art galleries there. The ocean is indescribable. Aqua, rough, cold, alive. And thank you for coming by my Instagram! HUGS TO YOU DEAREST NANCY! Anita

Really what can one say more than it does look like a vintage camper frame. The style isn't me, but heck that's why everyone gets to do their own thing! It's a great, serene feeling space to spend time in. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Nancy!Congrats on your 40th AMAZING post in your series! I have been missing for awhile from blog land and will now try and catch up with all that has been happening on your site. My plans is grab a cuppa and a few hours very soon to enjoy. Hugs and wishing you a beautiful day!Linda from Beautiful Ideas